Dec 12, 2018 2 min read

A burglary suspect was arrested Monday afternoon following a 3 ½-hour standoff with police at a home in New Freeport, Greene County.

Nevin Lee Mitchell, 30, of Herrods Run Road, reportedly startled the homeowner when he walked down the stairs inside the house at 104 Vine St. Monday morning.

The homeowner, Roger O’Neill, reported to state police that he believed the suspect had a gun. State police notified West Greene School District of a “police emergency” and “possibly dangerous situation.” School buses were diverted from the area, and Main Street was closed to protect drivers. A Special Emergency Response Team was dispatched, according to state police.

Mitchell reportedly refused orders to leave the home for 3 ½ hours before complying. He was arrested peaceably, according to court documents.

O’Neill told state police he went to the house to check on it and discovered it was ransacked. He recognized Mitchell, according to court paperwork. He told police Mitchell had no permission to be there. O’Neill told police he was “startled and afraid,” and left to notify police.

When state police arrived and identified themselves, ordering anyone inside to come out, Mitchell reportedly walked out the front door, looked at a trooper and shook his head before going back inside.

Mitchell was arraigned at 9 p.m. Monday before Magisterial District Judge Lee Watson. He was unable to post $75,000 bond. Mitchell remains in the Greene County lockup. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 19 before Watson.